At the beginning of the meeting G.Abdykalikova, on behalf of the President of Kazakhstan, awarded the Culture Minister of Russia V.Medinskiy with “Dostyk” Order of Degree II for merits in strengthening peace, friendship and cooperation among the peoples.
Gulshara Abdykalikova stressed that our nations hold together centuries-old historically strong ties of brotherhood, friendship and good neighborliness.
Kazakhstan’s State Secretary expressed gratitude to the Culture Minister for active cooperation on the return of Keykі Batyr’s bones to the historical homeland.
She has noted that Kazakhstan is actively involved in various activities at the invitation of the Russian side. For example, last year "Astana Ballet" theater brilliantly performed at "White Nights Stars" International Festival and "Astana Opera" staged "Notre Dame de Paris" ballet by Maurice Jarre in St. Petersburg.
Particular attention was paid to the Agreement between Kazakhstan and Russia on good-neighborliness and alliance in the XXI c. It is an important document that strengthens the common cultural space based on historical ties and contributes to preservation of spiritual and cultural closeness of our nations.
In addition, the Secretary of State emphasized signing of the Joint Action in the cultural field for 2017 between the Ministries of Culture of both countries, in the framework of which the possibility of declaring 2019 the Year of the Russian-Kazakh cultural exchanges is being worked out.
G.Abdykalikova noted that "EXPO-2017" trade show will take place in Astana the current year. On behalf of President Nursultan Nazarbayev a large-scale presentation of all-Kazakhstani culture will be held.
It is also planned to organize the exhibition from the Hermitage Museum collections, the Pushkin State Museum, and other representations of the Mariinsky Opera and Ballet Theatre. G.Abdykalikova expressed confidence in Russia's active participation in EXPO-2017.
At the end of the meeting Kazakhstan’s Secretary of State Gulshara Abdykalikova wished the Culture Minister of Russia Vladimir Medinskiy good health, prosperity and success in the cultural development of our countries.